District Attorney Clears Ventura

An investigation into the Ventura College men’s basketball program by the Ventura County district attorney’s office has revealed no evidence of misappropriation of funds, the office announced Tuesday.

A statement issued by District Atty. Michael D. Bradbury said the investigation was limited to potential criminal conduct. The conclusion does not impact an investigation of the program launched in March by the Ventura Community College District. The district has not announced its findings.

The district commissioned a team of former FBI agents to investigate possible financial misappropriation and alleged athletic code violations. The investigation was launched shortly after the dismissal of former Coach Virgil Watson. The district attorney’s office subsequently began its probe.

Watson, who led the Pirates to a 60-9 record in two seasons, including a state championship in 1996, was fired for a list of stated reasons, including poor teaching ability and allegations of recruiting violations. Watson also was accused of having an unethical relationship with a female student at the college.

Watson could not be reached for comment. Ventura Athletic Director Dick James said the district attorney’s conclusion was “a relief.”

“It’s one thing to be investigated internally,” James said. “It’s another thing to be investigated [regarding] criminal conduct.”

Glen Hefferman, former coach at Columbia College in Sonora, was hired Aug. 14 as the Pirates coach. Jim Keating, former coach at Shasta College in Redding, accepted the position July 2 but reconsidered a month later, opting to remain at Shasta as a physical education teacher.